Vehicle Description
Like the Jeep and the Land Rover before it, the Toyota Land Cruiser
is a vehicle whose reputation was hard earned in battle, mud, and
desert sand. This Japanese take on the all-purpose off-roader can
thank the original Jeep for its existence, which is little surprise
when comparing the two trucks side-by-side. �In 1950, the US
Government commissioned Toyota to build 100 Willys Jeeps that were
to be used in the Korean War. Toyota obliged but immediately saw
room for improvement on the old American design. In 1951 Toyota
developed their own prototype drawing on the best the Jeep and the
Land Rover had to offer. Production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began
in 1953 and the vehicle was put into service primarily for police
and military. In 1954, the civilian version gained the Land Cruiser
name and grew in popularity as an all-round utility vehicle for
farmers or anyone needing to get over rough terrain. In 1960, the
40-series Land Cruiser was unveiled with all-new body styling, an
improved chassis and new engine options. It remained in regular
production for 24 years, becoming a legend for its amazing
ruggedness as much as its tough-guy good looks. It served at the
hands of soldiers and warlords alike on virtually every continent
on the globe. Hundreds of thousands of Land Cruiser FJ40s are still
in service in all corners of the earth, no matter how remote they
may be. 40-Series Land Cruisers were offered in a variety of body
styles ranging from the most popular short-wheelbase convertible,
to long wheelbase troop carriers and pickups. Our featured 1982
FJ40 is a factory two-door hardtop with a desirable "barn door"
rear end (one piece upper liftgate split lower doors). Starting
with what was a highly original, solid and unmodified example, it
has been sympathetically refreshed using factory Toyota parts and
new paint by FJ experts and presents in beautiful condition with
impeccable detailing throughout. Recently restored in the factory
original shade of dark red with a white roof, this FJ40 retains a
high degree of originality. The bodywork has not been
over-restored; instead it shows the spot weld dimples and joints in
the panels as it would have when new. The paint quality is very
good, and the exterior detailing is all impeccably presented, with
correct hardware, fittings and details. The FJ40 is famously
utilitarian, so there is little in the way of chrome, but the hood
latches, windscreen hold-downs, badges and other fittings are all
in factory correct silver cad finishes. Even the hardware in the
wheel arches and on the chassis is in correct gold-cadmium plating.
It rides on a set of original gray-painted steel wheels, adorned
with new O.E. dog-dish hubcaps wrapped in a set of 5 meaty Pirelli
Scorpion tires for just the right aggressive, iconic off-road look.
The interior displays a wonderfully utilitarian charm, yet is
impeccably detailed to factory correct standards. The front and
side-facing rear seats are trimmed in charcoal vinyl as original;
and new seatbelts have been fitted. The floors are body color bare
steel as original and the dash wears all of the original switches,
knobs and placards - only a badge from the restorer deviates from
stock. A factory A/C system is fitted below the dash, which has
recently been refurbished with a new compressor. Toyota's legendary
2F inline-six cylinder engine presents extremely well, with
incredible detailing. �Cad-plated fittings and hardware highlight
the correctly finished engine, air cleaner and ancillaries. It is
equipped with factory air con and power steering systems. The
engine runs well, sending power through the four-speed transmission
and transfer case. The chassis is also beautifully detailed,
featuring a new OEM exhaust system and rebuilt brakes all around.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 has become a highly collectible
classic, and is increasingly in high demand with enthusiasts. As
with any classic off-roader, the go-anywhere nature and ability to
take serious abuse means that solid, unmodified, and pristine
examples can be quite difficult to come by. There are fewer better
than this Land Cruiser FJ40, a beautifully prepared and presented
example that is ready to be thoroughly enjoyed.
